I think I picked the wrong name

[whalemilk]

I'm thinking about changing my new daughter's name. The one we gave her just doesn't resonate like I thought it would. And I think it's too disparate from her older sister's name and I am afraid that could cause resentment. (Older daughter's name is always getting compliments, younger one's name is much more "ethnic" and difficult and gets a big "HUH??" from most people so far.) I feel terrible, but I guess better to do it sooner than later if we're going to. Anyone else have a problem like this?

[cellarstella]

It took me a while to get into DD's name after we were totally happy with it before she was born. It didn't seem to fit her as much as two other names we had considered. However, we just stuck to it anyway and now I feel like it totally suits her. Then again, I think if we had changed her name, whatever we would have chosen would have eventually suited her as well. I think to a point it's somewhat arbitrary... a child will take on the name and make it their own. Do whatever feels right!

[dimibella]

I've known a lot of mamas lately that have named baby and then gone back and changed it. Do you have something else readily in mind that you think is more fitting? I have no room to give opinion really, I am 2 days past my EDD and this baby has no glimmer of a name. He'll be probably be nameless for weeks. If you are really troubled by it then I say change it otherwise I think cellarstella is right, it will become fitting.

[VeganCupcake]

Yeah, I feel a bit the same way--I'm happy with her first and middle names, but I think I made a mistake on the last name. We decided to only give her DH's last name, and I don't feel so great about that now. I want her to have my last name, too.

I've known people who've completely changed their babies' names weeks after the birth. No big deal. You should change it if you want to.

How hard is the official process now that we've filed for the birth certificate? Anybody know?

[whalemilk]

In my state, in the first 6 months or year (I can't remember which) you just go to the office with $10 and tell them what you want it amended to.

[dimibella]

Originally Posted by whalemilk

In my state, in the first 6 months or year (I can't remember which) you just go to the office with $10 and tell them what you want it amended to.

Wow that is awesome! I say go for it then!

[yummama]

I don't have any experience in the baby naming department yet (in fact, at 39 weeks tomorrow I still don't have a boy's name), but I do have a story for what it's worth:
The second DH and I got married, I filed the paperwork to take his last name. Then I went and got a new license, new passport, and checked in with the social security people. After a few weeks it just didn't feel right. at all. I had just started another semester of grad school and had changed my name with the school, even (had my e-mail address changed...everything). So, basically, it would have been easier to just stick it out and get used to it eventually. But I decided not to do that and went to probate court to get my name changed back, which meant going to the DMV and the SS office again and dealing with the school and financial aid institutions and health insurance (you get the idea, as an adult you have a lot more in your name than as a 2 week old baby), etc. SO GLAD that I did. I feel like myself with my last name.

I have also had dogs that were impossible to name (not trying to compare your baby to our dog, but we do consider them very important family members). DH chose our dog Chester's name right upon meeting him at the shelter. After we adopted him I kept trying to think of better names, but eventually just gave in. And guess what? Chester is THE PERFECT name for him.

So, I think it could go either way. If you have another name that you think would is perfect, I say go for it. If not, maybe see if something comes along, but also wait to see if she grows into it.

Sorry for the novel, I'm just sitting around waiting now....

[hsofia]

Hey, as the parent you have the right to name her whatever you want. There's no problem with going back and changing. She is so young, she won't know any differently. The longer you wait, the harder time you'll have convincing others, but you know ... my parents changed my name when I was 18 months old, and everyone started calling me by new name. So ... just follow your gut!